Topologically Interesting Molecules

DNA and proteins show unique stereochemistry with a variety of biochemical functions. Quite interesting structures can be formed, among them catenanes and knots.

Molecular topology is a field in chemistry that deals with mechanically interlocked architectures. Examples are catenanes, rotaxanes, molecular knots, Möbius strips, and Borromean rings.

This Demonstration shows the basic characteristics for a chosen set of nine molecules: the formula (without solvent), the csd-refcode, the status of crystal data (experimental, calculated or modeled or both), the DOI (digital object identifier for a publication), and a molecular and abstract view, each in 3D. For Möbius strips and Borromean rings, showing add-ons is available as an option via a checkbox.

THINGS TO TRY

SNAPSHOTS

DETAILS

1. A catenane is a mechanically interlocked assembly with two or more macrocycles.

2. Rotaxanes contain a linear component (shaped like a dumbbell) threaded through a macrocycle.

3. Knotanes are topological isomers of macrocycles that are analogous to macroscopic knots.

4. A Möbius strip is a ribbon closed with a twist. Since 2003, several aromatic molecules with -electrons and Möbius topology have been made.

5. Borromean rings contain three intertwined macrocycles. If you remove any of the three macrocyles, the other two are not linked.

Some Comments about the Five Architectures Shown

Catenanes

The Ru(terpy-biphencatenane) and the organogold(I)catenane can be visualized topologically with two interlocked rings [4, 5].

Rotaxanes

In the truncated squaraine rotaxane the ring structure looks like a boat. A [3]pseudorotaxane was formed by dialkyl-viologens and dibenzo-24-crown-8. It contains two macrocycles. Rotaxanes can be visualized topologically with a stick formed like a dumbbell threaded through one or more rings [6, 7].

Knotanes

The organic ligand 7-((13-(quinolin-6-yloxy)-3,5,8,11-tetraoxatridecyl)oxy)quinoline, named 5 in [8], can form a trefoil knotane (5-Ag)3. An assembly of five bis-aldehyde and five bis-amine building blocks around a chloride anion was used to synthesize a pentafoil knotane [9]. These compounds can be visualized topologically with the trefoil and the Solomon's seal knot.

Möbius Strips

Both hexapyrins contain a structure with Möbius topology. To visualize it approximately, enable the add-on. The red part of the strip is a signal for the twist. The abstract view of the Möbius strip delivers a one-sided surface [10, 11].

Borromean Rings

The chiral borromeate contains three rings. To visualize it, enable the add-on. Borromean rings are the simplest example for a Brunnian link [13].

Status of Structure Data

Options for the structure data status are:

experimental, calculated/modeled, and experimental + calc.

In crystallography, the progress of refinement from crystal structures is monitored via different factors. One example is the factor based on :

.

factors can be used to describe the quality of the crystal data, but should be handled with care [14].

Source of Crystal Data

The ball and stick figures are derived from crystal structures found via CSD. The CCDC refcodes for each structure used are listed in the Demonstration.

References

[1] J-P. Sauvage and C. Dietrich-Buchecker, Molecular Catenanes, Rotaxanes, and Knots: A Journey through the World of Molecular Topology, New York: Wiley-VCH, 1999.